BUSINESS RESOURCES
Programs, funding, and guidance to support new and existing businesses in downtown Fort Dodge.
Existing Businesses
Open 4 Business
Main Street Iowa offers this program to encourage business development efforts in Iowa’s Main Street districts around the state. The OPEN 4 BUSINESS competition is a chance for existing or expanding businesses within the Main Street Fort Dodge district to compete for up to $25,000 to support their business development.
Only one application is allowed per Main Street community. To determine which local business will represent Main Street Fort Dodge, businesses must complete an online application and submit a video outlining their business idea and how it will benefit the local economic climate in the community.
Videos will be judged on content and:
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May be recorded with a cell phone
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Must not exceed 3 minutes in length
The local competition winner will receive a prize.
Applicants must be available for:
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A virtual interview in June
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An in-person presentation at the Iowa Downtown Conference in August
Eligible Expenses
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Inventory
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Equipment
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Marketing
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Computers
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Software upgrades
Ineligible Expenses
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Rent
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Utilities
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Remodeling
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Payroll for employees
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Vehicles
Deadline for the local competition will be in June 2026.
Business Support & Guidance
Small Business Development Center
The North Central Iowa SBDC center serves entrepreneurs and existing businesses in Audubon, Calhoun, Carroll, Greene, Guthrie, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Sac, Webster, Wright, and Buena Vista counties.
Iowa Center for Economic Success
Fill out the questionnaire for the Iowa Center for Economic Success!
Visit https://iowacenter.formtitan.com/IowaCenterRuralClientIntake#/
Iowa Source Link
Whether a small business owner is looking to start, grow, fund, or even exit their business, IASourceLink is here to help. IASourceLink provides free online webinars, step-by-step guides, and helpful referrals to nearly 400 partners who offer free business assistance. It also houses the Business License Information Center - a centralized database of more than 450 Iowa Business licenses.
Visit https://www.iasourcelink.com/
Contact IASourceLink at info@iasourcelink.com or (319) 273-5444 for more information.
Funding & Capital Resources
IowaMicroLoan has created a fund to provide a source of capital for microentrepreneurs who areseeking a direct loan of $5,000 to $50,000 or a co-financing arrangement of up to $150,000.Applicants must have applied for a loan at a traditional credit source and have been denied to beeligible to apply for IowaMicroLoan.
The Iowa Small Business Loan Support Program (ISBLSP) aids Iowa entrepreneurs and small businesses in their efforts to access capital for business purposes including startup costs, working capital, business procurement, franchise fees, equipment, inventory, as well as the renovation or tenant improvements of an eligible place of business that is not for passive real estate investment purposes.
The Small Business Linked Investments for Tomorrow (LIFT) Program is a state-supported initiative that provides capital to small businesses owned and operated by Iowa residents. The program works by linking state funds with private lenders to reduce borrowing costs and increase access to financing.
One-half of the funds invested through the program are reserved for qualifying small businesses that are 51 percent or more owned, operated, and actively managed by one or more women, minority persons, or persons with disabilities.
The LIFT Program is intended to support business growth, job creation, and long-term economic development throughout Iowa.
